Brighton Church Takes on Detroit Red Wing Alumni for Charity

On Saturday, 16 Livingston County men will step on the ice and test their hockey skills against Detroit Red Wing Alumni members for the third annual Hockey Night in Brighton.

The men are all members of in Brighton, which began the event three years ago as a way to reach out to the community and help local charities. This year, the money raised will go to benefit Livingston County Shop with a Cop and The Arc of Livingston.

"We were looking for a fun event for the community to rally around," Scott DesAutel, the event organizer said. "It's inexpensive. Where else can you go for a family of four for $40 and have some pretty strong, clean fun entertainment?"

Jeff Waterman, pastor of The Well, said the church wanted to help local people by supporting local charities.

"We're moving in a direction where we want to give back to our public servants - police, fire and military - so we do a couple events to support the charities that they support," Waterman said. "And the Arc of Livingston was because we see people with special needs children and family members and it takes a lot of work. So they can always use more resources."

DesAutel said the fundraiser took the form of a hockey game because he had participated in a charity game before. He has also been playing hockey since he was 3 years old.

"It just seemed like a good fit," DesAutel said. "Our church is sports concious. A lot of our members are very active and recreational. And being a part of one of these events, and seeing how successful it was, it just seemed right for us."

"And in southeast Michigan, the Red Wings for the longest time, have reigned as the most successful sports franchise," Waterman said. "So if you're looking to connect to the community - there's an immediate connection."

DesAutel said he does not yet have a list of which alumni members will be at the event.

The game will be held at at 1 p.m. Admission is $10. There will also be a VIP Red Wings Alumni After Party at the after the game for fans to have dinner with former players. Tickets for the dinner are $25 per person.

The game will last two periods and will include face painting, raffles and a Red Wing Alumni autograph table.

DesAutel said The Well All Star Team has been practicing, though it won't help. Waterman is also playing, though he's not sure what position.

"I'll play where he tells me," Waterman said of DesAutel.